Shopping

The most important shopping items on Boracay Island are beach-related things, such as beach wear, beach towels, slippers, T-shirts, sun lotion and so on. There is not much in the way of ethnic souvenir items bar the odd coral necklace or similar items although a few items can be found at the open air market to the north of the island. Here you will discover antique furniture, lamps and native woodcarvings for sale.

The central market, called Talipapa, offers a variety of beach wear fashion shops, specialty shops, small to medium sized supermarkets and a fruit and fish / meat department as well as there being a few places selling souvenirs. Haggling is expected.

If you are after a wide selection of souvenirs, carving and other handicraft items you are better off buying them in the main centres such as Manila or Cebu. Second hand bookshops on the other hand offer a good choice of reading material for lazy days in the sun.

Spread out over the island are more specialty shops such as delicatessen shops, a huge convenience store for shopping, changing money and confirming flights, pharmacies and Internet coffee shops.